Jonathan, Kufour, 13 Others Back AFDB President, Adesina

Former Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Ghana President, John Kufour, twelve other past African leaders and a minister declared support for African Development Bank (AFDB) President, Akinwunmi Adesina.

The US Treasury, through secretary, Steven Mnuchin had called for an independent investigation into the allegation of favouritism levelled against Adesina by a whistleblower which the AFDB ethics committee, after its own investigation, found no offence against him.

Meridian Spy reported Friday, former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo and former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Mohammed weighed in on the issue.

Obasanjo faulted the US Treasury’s call, describing the allegations as part of an attempt by some non-regional member countries of the bank to frustrate Adesina’s reelection for a second term.

“If we do not rise up and defend the AfDB Group, this might mean the end of the bank, as its governance will be hijacked away from Africa,” he said.

On his part, Sanusi also faulting the demand by US, said every well-meaning African or friend of Africa should speak up on this matter.

However, in solidarity, the former African leaders, in a statement on Friday, said the bank and its president, Akinwumi Adesina, should not be distracted at a time when the continent is battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

They said conflict resolution processes outside laid down rules would undermine the reputation of the bank and its president.

“Adesina, who some whistleblowers alleged to have violated the banks’ code of ethics, has firmly and consistently declared his innocence of these allegations,” they said in the statement.

“The ethics committee of the board of directors, a legal oversight body of the bank, made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Dr Adesina of all 16 allegations, declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely.

“Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organizations. In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among parties, the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the bank.

“The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its president, Dr Adesina, has taken the bank to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the bank and its president should not be distracted.”

The ex-African leaders posited that Adesina had taken the bank to an enviable height and listed some his achievements.

“The bank announced a $10 billion crisis response facility to support countries in Africa. The bank also successfully launched a $3 billion Fight COVID-19 social bond, the largest ever US dollar-denominated bond in world history” they noted.

“Powered by his vision and leadership, the shareholders of the bank from 80 countries all approved a general capital increase of $115 billion for the bank, the largest in its history since establishment in 1964.

“The bank has been doing a lot for women, with a $3 billion fund to provide access to finance to women, supported by G7 countries and Africa.

“Across the continent, the bank’s presence and work have been highly visible and impactful. In less than five years, the bank’s High 5 agenda has impacted over 333 million people, from access to electricity, food security, access to finance via the private sector, improve transport, and access to water and sanitation.

“The bank has maintained its stellar AAA rating among all global rating agencies.”

The letter was endorsed by Ameenah Gurib-Fakin (President of Mauritius; 2015 – 2018); Rupiah Banda (President of Zambia; 2008 – 2011); Kgalema Motlanthe (President of South Africa; 2008-2009); and Jakaya Kikwete (President of Tanzania; 2005 – 2015). Others who were signatory to the statements included Olusegun Obasanjo, (President of Nigeria; 1999-2007); Boni Yayi (President of Benin; 2006-2016); Hailemariam Desalegn (Prime Minister of Ethiopia; 2012 – 2018); John Kufour (President of Ghana; 2001 – 2009); Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (President of Liberia; 2006 – 2018); Joyce Banda (President of Malawi; 2012 – 2014); Joaquim Chissano (President of Mozambique; 1986 – 2005); Tandja Mamadou (President of Niger; 1999 – 2010); Goodluck Jonathan (President of Nigeria; 2010-2015); and Mohamed Marzouki (President of Tunisia; 2011 – 2014); and Benjamin Mkapa (President of Tanzania; 1995 – 2005).

They however urged all shareholders to work with mutual respect and honour the procedures of the bank saying: “No nation, regardless of how powerful, has veto power over the African Development Bank, and no nation should have such power”.